Reviewed by: Killer B ,  Downhiller

Summary:
Since I'm the Original poster of this trail, I feel the need to update it evry so often... Well, today I just got back from riding Never Ending Rd to Spencer Branch to Fletcher Creek (where I had a 200+lb. bear encounter) to Reservoir Road back to Trace Ridge Trailhead parking area. This is a nice place to escape the hastle of today's busy world... That bear ran like a scalded dog when it saw me, so don't let them hender you from trying this place sometime. I really like riding up here & invite fellow mtn. bikers to join in on the fun this area has to offer! Have a great ride!!!!

Recommended Route:
Any in this area are alot of fun

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Trace Ridge, Spencer Gap, Spencer Branch, Fletcher Creek, Middle Fork, Big Creek, Bear Creek, Wash Creek just to name a few....

Reviewed by: Andrew , from Southern New Jersey

Summary:
Lots of water crosssings, That 7 mile climb to the top, How about the death grip all the way down with the switchbacks. Logs, (wet)rocks, Roots galore. The best ride I've ever done with the hardest climb.

Recommended Route:
The one that the locals guided me on, somewhere above 2,ooo ft.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
DuPont "SlickRock"!

Reviewed by: Alex , from Tampa, FL

Summary:
Being from Florida I'm used to rock quarries and old mine pits (yeah they have hills and drops - it aint all flat)
No matter where you start in NC, you will climb a mountain. Out of the two trails I rode, I liked Fletcher Creek best. Both trails have killer downhills. I believe my arms were just as tired slamming over rocks on the way down and going down. Downhills easily hit speeds between 20 - 30 mph. Watch out for the mud puddles on Fletcher - they can compare to Florida swamps. Check over your bike before going - we had a chain break and flat on the trails. Eat a good breakfast and bring plenty of water. Skills are needed so I would never recommend these two trails for a family ride (unless you want to get rid of them). There are enough trails to spend a week in Pisgah. This place rocks!

Recommended Route:
For Trace Ridge: (8 1/2 miles, 1200 foot climb) use Trace Ridge trail; Spencer Branch trail; Fletcher Creek Road; Fletcher Creek trail; Hendersonville Reservoir Road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Pisgah Forest

Reviewed by: Rick , from Asheville

Summary:
xx

Recommended Route:
Start at Trace Ridge parking area. Take the 3rd branch to the right of the forest service info sign. This will take you up Trace Ridge trail. This is a tough, but mostly rideable climb. I count about 4-5 steep, rocky sustained climbs separated by brief level sections. The first and only left turn is a few miles up the trail (I believe spencer branch- get this confused with fletcher creek trail). If you kept going straight up the hill a few hundred yards, it lets out on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Anyway, take the left turn down a steeper and rockier pitch- walk parts of this if not an experienced rider. It eventually will level out somewhat and then cross the Never Ending Road. I usually follow this trail down another mile or two to a convergence of trails (four branches). I then take the first right, crossing the creek and starting a nice gradual creekside climb (the other trail - Spencer Branch or Fletcher Creek, I can't keep the names straight). This will cross the creek a few more times before coming back into Never Ending Road. Take a left and follow this gravel road a few miles. The next branch to the left is Middle Fork. This is a fun creekside descent eventually letting out either at the reservoir or at the previously noted trail convergence. It is difficult to give precise directions, but these trails are well described in several local trail books and mtnbikewnc.com.
This is one of my favorite rides in the area. Only drawback is moderate horse traffic, but not much of a nuicanse. You may see some people in the flatter area by the creeks and near the reservoir, but most of the time there's noone else on Trace Ridge Trail.
Those complaining about crowds must be using the easier trails close to the parking area. I also disagree with all the negative remarks re: Bent Creek. This also is a little crowded in the more proximal trails, but more open up closer to "five points", and the "heinous" trails. What do you expect 15 minutes from Asheville and 5 minutes from a Mall. Be thankful for a great place to ride close to home.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
If new to Mtn Biking, explore Bent Creek first, then move to N. Mills and finally into Pisgah N.F. (Davidson River region). Dupont riding is great.

Reviewed by: BeastMaster , from Mills River, NC

Summary:
I really want to thank whoever has taken the time & effort to clear Spencer Branch Trail last week. I tried to do the best job I could a few weeks ago, but I don't own a chainsaw. I see that someone with just that did a good job over the past weekend.

Recommended Route:
It's Deer Hunting "Rifle" Season once again in this neck 'o the woods.... Please wear ORANGE if you decide to brave it and ride Mon-Sat for the next 3 weeks! I personally will only ride on Sundays during this time.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
This is a really nice place to ride, although it, like Bent Creek, is beginning to be somewhat over-crowded at times... especially with horseback riders on the weekends... Why don't the riders put a "Catch-all" bag on the rearend of those horses? Seems kinda disrespectful to all the others of us out there to have to ride thru a bunch of horsesh*t, if you know what I mean! I bet they wouldn't like it if their horses had to tread thru 4" of chain lube laying on the trails....